Newcastle United need to continue adding attacking options to Eddie Howe’s squad as Chris Wood is not good enough, claims talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.
The Lowdown: Money left to spend
After Sven Botman signed for the Magpies following the Tyneside club’s £32m agreement with Lille, Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards reported that the Toon still have around £40m-50m left to spend this summer.
Having already added Nick Pope in goal and made Matt Targett’s move from Aston Villa permanent, the defensive department is surely now sorted, and Newcastle are expected to add another forward to Howe’s squad.
The Latest: Agbonlahor’s claim
Agbonlahor, former top flight goalscorer who now works as a pundit for talkSPORT, believes Wood is nowhere near the required standard and could be sold for a huge loss.
Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed:
“I think Newcastle’s squad could do with more surgery. They could do with another striker as back-up to Callum Wilson.
“Chris Wood is not good enough, that was a crazy signing at £25million. If they could send him back to Burnley for £6million or £7million, they would.
“They need better quality now as back-up to Callum Wilson. He has his injury problems as well so you don’t want to be left with Chris Wood.
“Another striker and another couple of wingers too. I like [Allan] Saint-Maximin but he blows hot and cold. Almiron doesn’t get enough goals or assists.
“I feel they need some more players in there and Eddie Howe will be looking to strengthen that squad.”
The Verdict: Did his job
Wood was brought into Newcastle in January as a last-ditch addition up top, with the injuries suffered by no.9 Callum Wilson a major blow for Howe’s squad selection.
The 30-year-old played 17 matches for the Magpies in the Premier League, adding a reliable option who was always available for selection, despite not regularly finding the net.
At the time, his arrival weakened relegation rivals Burnley and provided a focal point for the Magpies, making this a good business decision all round for Newcastle, even if they sell for a loss in the not too distant future.